Blood Flow Restriction Training as an Adjunct to Conventional Care in a Patient With Adhesive Capsulitis and Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Case Report

Abstract

Background The use of blood flow restriction training (BFRT) to treat patients with lower extremity conditions has been found to be relatively safe, but there is minimal evidence and no reports on BFRT in patients with shoulder dysfunction. Case Presentation This case report describes the safe application of BFRT as part of a conventional multimodal course of care for a 40-year-old man with shoulder pain. The patient's pathoanatomic diagnosis was left shoulder adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and a superior labral anterior-to-posterior tear. He presented with substantial impairments in range of motion, strength, and function. Clinical guidelines for dosing BFRT are unclear, and we describe the successful use of rating-of-perceived-exertion criteria for guiding exercise intensity. Outcome and Follow-Up The patient had a positive outcome in 7 visits over 13 weeks, with normalization of shoulder range of motion and function, and 60% to 85% strength gains, without adverse effects from BFRT. Discussion This case highlights the feasibility and application of BFRT in combination with traditional rehabilitation strategies in a patient with multiple shoulder pathologies. JOSPT Cases 2021;1(4):289–293. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2021.10625